Shiner comes through with this new hoppy offering — it continues a trend the past few years of American pale and India pale ales in the less-intense “session beer” realm.

First, 777 had the fluffiest head I’ve ever come across in a bottled APA or APL. It sat an inch above the glass without any liquid dripping down the sides of the glass. It did eventually recede, leaving sticky lacing.

The initial aroma was of mellow pine and grapefruit. Not overly resinous or citrusy; but not dull, either. The attractive light copper-orange color provided a medium caramel malt taste, with some wood overtones from the use of oak staves. There was hop bitterness, but restrained.

The lager influence showed up in a drier, crisper body and mouthfeel than a typical ale in the same style. All in all, a very enjoyable example and while its 7-percent ABV may place it as stronger than a session beer, it drinks like one.

Shiner has wide distribution in the U.S.; its Beer Finder link is at www.shiner.com/find.

I wrote about a couple of impressive Goose Island bourbon barrel-aged beers two weeks ago: a porter and a blueberry-almond Northwoods imperial stout.

I mentioned at the time I would include more information on the Bourbon County Brand Stout (BCBS) line, since most of them are being released Nov. 24. These include the original Brand Stout, Barleywine, the Northwoods, Proprietor’s (inspired by Bananas Foster), Coffee and a Reserve Brand, the latter being aged in 11-year-old Knob Creek bourbon barrels.

The original still stands up well — balanced with the typical imperial stout and bourbon flavors, along with a cherry background. I reviewed it last year and found it overly sweet, but that was not the case this year. It was moderately sweet, in line with most imperial stouts.

The Reserve stout differs from the original mostly in that the Knob Creek bourbon notes are more pronounced and there was more char in the flavor, resulting in a nice background smokiness. This beer will only be available in Chicago and Kentucky outlets. I was not able to review the others being released.

Goose Island has wide national distribution, but these specialty beers will not last long. I have heard for years that lines a block or more long occur at liquor stores in Chicago the day after Thanksgiving solely for a chance to buy the BCBS beers. Goose Island has a Beer Finder link at www.gooseisland.com/our-beers.

Beer Man sez: Shiner offers an American India Pale Lager that combines the best of hoppy American styles and lager fermentation.